As a pedestrian, you are especially vulnerable to drivers, road conditions, and property defects. Tragedy can happen out of nowhere, even if you are following the rules of the roadway and taking extreme care on your route. Injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents can last a lifetime and lead to high medical bills with no resources to pay. If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to take certain steps to keep yourself safe and hold the guilty party or parties responsible for their actions.
Introduction to Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can involve a vehicle or occur due to poor property maintenance. In the case of a vehicular accident, the driver could be liable for negligence, depending on the circumstances. The pedestrian’s actions could also contribute. A pedestrian must be mindful of and follow traffic flow, posted or flashing signs, and marked crosswalks. A driver who is speeding, distracted, disobeying traffic laws, or driving recklessly can be shown to be acting negligently. Either party, or both, can be held responsible for causing or contributing to the accident.
If you are injured due to poor property maintenance, a property owner could be forced to compensate you because of negligence to their property that caused your injury. If the owner created the hazard, was aware of it but failed to have it repaired, or the condition existed for an unreasonable length of time, an attorney specializing in premises liability can help you recover damages from them.
What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, the first thing to do is call the police if you are able. Stay at the scene of your accident until they have arrived. Make sure to record names and contact information for any witnesses. You should not speak to anyone other than the authorities. It is likely that the responsible party’s account of the accident will be different from yours.
After your Southwest Florida pedestrian accident, you may be confused or concerned about what steps to take next. An attorney with Weldon & Rothman can guide you through filing a claim against the responsible party. They’ll meet with you to compile evidence, work with your insurance company, and ultimately secure a financial settlement that will ease your mind and make you financially whole again. Call (239) 262-2141 to schedule your free consultation with Weldon & Rothman.